Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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117. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to commence the next round of the sports capital programme; when it will be open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8949/23]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if pony and equine clubs are eligible to apply for funding under the sports capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8951/23]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.

The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Thousands of projects have been completed under the scheme and the Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.

The final grants under the latest round were announced on Tuesday 31 May last year and the total allocation of €166.6 million for the 2020 round represents the highest level of allocation ever made under the SCEP.

The priority in the short term is to advance the successful applications to "formal approval" and grant drawdown stage.

Following completion of the appeal process, my Department commenced a full review of all aspects of the 2020 round of the SCEP. A draft of the Review is complete and I expect to be in a position to publish this Review shortly. Any recommendations arising from the finalised Review will be reflected in the next round. Furthermore, my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the next round of the SCEP. Once this process is concluded, I will announce the exact dates from which new applications will be accepted.

Over €1.1 million was allocated to 43 successful equestrian grantees under the 2020 round. These grantees included various pony clubs, Horse Sport Ireland and Para Equestrian Ireland. Members of the equestrian sector will be eligible to apply again under the next round. It should be noted however, that grants are only provided to "not-for-profit" organisations. Full details of the SCEP including the latest "Guide to Making an Application" can be found at: www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/